Instructional Design and Technology

Welcome to the site for the IDT program. Use the links at the top right to learn about IDT at the University of Memphis.

What is IDT?

IDT is the study and practice of the analysis, design, development, and evaluation of effective learning environments. These environments include everything from stand-up instruction to print, computer-based, and online learning. IDT also includes instructional consulting and performance support in the workplace. We use a lot of technology (processes, hardware, and software) but this is not the computer science or information technology department. We are interested in improving learning, using a variety of means.

What do IDT graduates do?

Graduates of our program are in demand, and our IDT graduates have a track record of securing excellent career opportunities. Our graduates study, design, build, and manage learning environments in K-12, corporate, military, non-profit, health care, and higher education settings. Recent entities to employ our graduates include FedEx, Regions Bank, Buckman Labs, Hilton, International Paper, Methodist Le Bonheur, First Tennessee Bank, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Yum Foods, Booz Allen Hamilton, and AutoZone.

Sample job titles include instructional designer, trainer, multimedia developer, performance support specialist, instructional consultant, instructional technologist, learning technologist, and curriculum developer.

What programs does IDT offer?

We offer both masters and doctoral instruction to students who want to research, design, develop, and evaluate effective teaching and learning environments. Our masters program is completely online, and our doctoral program is a mix of online and in-person experiences. We also offer a very popular K-12 Certificate in Instructional Computing Applications designed to meaningfully integrate technology into teaching and learning. The Certificate is also completely online.

So is the UM IDT program any good?

You bet it is. We have six full-time faculty, meaning we are one of the best-staffed IDT programs in the country. Our faculty have an extensive track record of original research, securing grant funds, serving at the highest levels nationally and internationally, and collaborating with our students. Our IDT students are consistently some of the best to step on this campus. Our students organize and run an IDT Student Association, which promotes scholarship and service. The IDT Studio is an entrepreneurial research and development center which gives our students real experience working with the latest tools for real clients. I could go on.